Volunteer Programs
Promoting Volunteer Service and Support
Funding for the Museums exhibitions and program activities is augmented through private donations and funds. Private funding and program development support is made possible through Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, which raises restricted and unrestricted funds for the Museum.
The California African American Museum's volunteer program began in December of 1982. One component of the volunteer program is councils, of which there are four: the Service Council, the Arts Council, the History Council and the Docent Council. Volunteer councils assist curators, help promote the Museum and its projects and help to implement special events. Each of the four Councils has a different function: therefore, volunteers may choose to serve on more than one Council. Volunteer councils at the California African American Museum encourage camaraderie among members and helps raise the profile of CAAM in the community-at-large. CAAM currently has over 50 active volunteers who are associated with Councils and assist with the Museum's operation.
Click here to fill out and download the Volunteer Councils Application.
Volunteer Councils
The Service Council
Assuming a multi-faceted role, the Service Council assists Museum staff with administrative needs and gallery support, provides community outreach by serving as CAAM ambassadors at events around Los Angeles, assists in museum special events, and serves as greeters for programs. Meetings are held monthly as planned. For inquiries, contact Laura Farmer at 213.744.7535.
The History Council
The History Council's focus is to research and document African American history and culture. Through a wide range of tasks and activities, including sponsorship and recommendations for lectures, seminars, other events and the identification of potential exhibits, this council encourages a better understanding of and appreciation for African American accomplishments in diverse disciplines. Often when called upon, they act as speakers for schools, churches and other community groups. Meetings are held on the second Saturday of each month. For more information, please contact Denise McIver at 213.744.2544.
The Docent Council
The Volunteer Docent Council serves CAAM by providing guided tours for schools groups, special interest groups and during CAAM's evening events and programs. Twice a year members are invited to join after completing a thorough training on how to become a museum docent. There are a series of Saturday sessions where perspective members are guided through the mechanics of writing a tour script, the basic elements of art, how to view art, how to lead a tour, the history of CAAM and much more. For inquiries, contact Elise Woodson 213-744-7536.
Join the Docent Team!
The California African American Museum needs energetic, enthusiastic individuals to lead tours of its exhibitions. Docents should possess good interpersonal and communicative skills as well as be able to interact with diverse audiences. An interest and commitment to African and African American art, history and culture are of prime importance. Good company, good friends, good times, a lively crew! For inquiries on training schedule contact Sonia Brown at 213-744-2133.